Modular ion generator device

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides methods and systems for a modular ion generator device that includes a bottom portion, two opposed side portions, a front end, a back end, and a top portion. A cavity is formed within the two opposed side portions, front end, back end, and top portion. At least one electrode is positioned within the cavity, and an engagement device is engaged to the front end and/or an engagement device engaged to the back end for allowing one or more modular ion generator devices to be selectively secured to one another.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/751,717 filed Jan. 24, 2020 and entitled “MODULAR IONGENERATOR DEVICE,” which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/003,327 filed Jun. 8, 2018 and entitled “MODULARION GENERATOR DEVICE,” which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/670,219 filed Aug. 7, 2017 and entitled “MODULARION GENERATOR DEVICE” which claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/372,053, filed on Aug. 8, 2016, and entitled“MODULAR ION GENERATION DEVICE,” the contents of which are incorporatedin full by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an ion generator device, andmore generally relates to a modular ion generator device that may beselectively secured to at least one other modular ion generator deviceand mounted to a number of locations on a cooling coil frame orelsewhere in the HVAC system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Air and other fluids are commonly treated and delivered for a variety ofapplications. For example, in heating, ventilation and air-conditioning(HVAC) applications, air may be heated, cooled, humidified,dehumidified, filtered or otherwise treated for delivery intoresidential, commercial or other spaces.

Needs exist for improved systems and methods of treating and deliveringair for these and other applications. It is to the provision of improvedsystems and methods meeting these needs that the present invention isprimarily directed.

Historically ionization bars have been custom manufactured for aspecific application length, thus requiring a lead-time formanufacturing. The present invention solves the custom manufacturinglead-time issue by providing a standard size off-the-shelf modular barat a fixed length that can be connected in any quantity for the lengthrequired for the given application.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an embodiment of the present invention an ion generatordevice that includes a bottom portion, two opposed side portions, afront end, a back end, and a top portion. A cavity is formed within thetwo opposed side portions, front end, and back end. At least oneelectrode is positioned within the cavity, and an engagement device isengaged to the front end and a receptacle within the back end allowingone or more modular ion generator devices to be selectively secured toeach other.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the iongenerator device wherein one or more modular ion generator devices areselectively secured to one another.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, themodular ion generator device includes a magnet positioned on the devicefor selectively securing the device to a cooling coil frame.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, themodular ion generator device includes at least one flange extending fromthe device for engaging a magnet thereto.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, themodular ion generator device includes a printed circuit board housedwithin the cavity and the at least one electrode that extends outwardlyfrom the printed circuit board.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, themodular ion generator device includes an electrode constructed of carbonfiber brushes.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, themodular ion generator device includes an electrode composed of stainlesssteel or any other conducting type material.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, themodular ion generator device includes a bottom portion that extends toan outer edge, two opposed side portions that extend upward from theouter edge, a front end that extends upward from the outer edge, a backend that extends upward from the outer edge, and a top portion. A cavityis formed within the two opposed side portions, front end, and a backend. At least one bore is disposed on the top portion, and at least oneelectrode is positioned within the cavity and adjacent the bore. Anengagement device is engaged to the front end and a receptacle withinthe back end for allowing one or more ion generator devices to beselectively secured to each other.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, themodular ion generator device includes a power head engaged to theengagement device of the modular ion generator device.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, themodular ion generator device includes a cylindrical outer portion, afront end, a back end, and an area for the emitters to be exposed to theairstream. A cavity is formed within the cylindrical outer wall, frontend, back end, and ionizing portion. At least one electrode ispositioned within the cavity, and an engagement device is engaged to thefront end and a receptacle is engaged to the back end for allowing oneor more ion generator devices to be secured together.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated and described herein with referenceto the various drawings, in which like reference numbers denote likemethod steps and/or system components, respectively, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the modular ion generator device;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the modular ion generator device;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the modular ion generator device;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the modular ion generator device;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the modular ion generator device;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the modular ion generator device;

FIG. 7 is a rear view of the modular ion generator device;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the modular ion generator device;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the modular ion generator device;

FIG. 10 is a cut-away view of the modular ion generator device;

FIG. 11 is a cut-away view of three modular ion generator devices matedtogether;

FIG. 12 is a top view of an embodiment of the modular ion generatordevice;

FIG. 13 is a top view of an embodiment of the modular ion generatordevice;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of two modular ion generator devices;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of two modular ion generator devicesmating together;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of two modular ion generator devicesmating together;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of two modular ion generator devicesmating together;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of two modular ion generator devicesengaged together;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of three modular ion generator devicesengaged together; and

FIG. 20 is a view of the modular ion generator devices in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to thefollowing detailed description of the invention taken in connection withthe accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure.It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to thespecific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/orshown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments by way of example only and is notintended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patentsand other publications identified in this specification are incorporatedby reference as though fully set forth herein.

Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, thesingular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference toa particular numerical value includes at least that particular value,unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressedherein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to“about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a rangeis expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular valueand/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values areexpressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it willbe understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

Referring now specifically to the drawings, a modular ion generatordevice is illustrated in FIGS. 1-20 and is shown generally at referencenumeral 10. The device 10 includes a housing having a bottom portion 12that extends to an outer edge and two opposed side portions 14, a frontend 16, and a back end 18 extend upwardly from the outer edge of thebottom portion 12. The two opposed side portions 14, the front end 16,and the back end 18 may have an upper edge with a ridge for receiving atop portion 20. Alternatively, the top portion 20 may be engaged to theupper edge of the two opposed side portions 14, the front end 16, andthe back end 18. A cavity 22, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 , is formedwithin the bottom portion 12, two opposed side portions 14, front end16, and back end 18.

Engagement flanges 28 are disposed on the device 10. As illustrated inFIGS. 8 and 9 , at least one engagement flange 28 is disposed on each ofthe two opposed side portions 14. Preferably, at least two engagementflanges 28 are disposed on each of the two opposed side portions 14, andmost preferably two or more engagement flanges 28 are disposed on eachof the two opposed side portions 14. The flanges 28 extend away from thetwo opposed side portions 14 and contain a bore 27 within each flange 28and preferably centrally located within each flange 28, extending froman exterior side to an interior side of the flange 28. As illustrated,one flange 28 may have a length less than the length of other flanges 28on the device 10. Specifically and as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , when thedevice contains three flanges 28 on each of the two opposed sideportions 14, one of the flanges 28, such as the flange 28 between thetwo other flanges 28, may have a length less than the length of theadjacent flanges 28.

A magnet may be engaged to each flange 28. The magnet may be circularand engaged through the flange 28 with a portion of the magnet extendingthrough the bore 27 and selectively securing the magnet to the flange28. In this arrangement, the device 10 may be face mounted to a coilingcoil frame 31, as illustrated in FIG. 20 , or elsewhere on the HVACsystem. The magnet may include a post on the back side of the magnetthat is received within the bore 27 of each flange 28. The bottomportion 12 may also contain at least one post 32. The post 32 may alsoreceive a magnet. The post 32 contains a bore for receiving a post onthe back side of the magnet. In this arrangement, the device 10 may bemounted to the ceiling.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 9, and 11 , a collar 30 extends outwardly from thefront end 16 of the device 10 that is externally threaded and has ahollow inner portion 36 that extends from the cavity 22 to the externalside of the collar 30. The collar 30 is preferably circular. Aconductive device 34 is disposed within a hollow inner portion 36, asshown in FIG. 10 , of the collar 30. The conductive device 34 has afirst end and a second end. The first end of the conductive device 34 isdisposed within the cavity 22 of the device 10 and may be engaged to thefirst electrical connector 64 for allowing electricity to flow from theconductive device 34 to the first electrical connector 64.Alternatively, the conductive device 34 is coupled to the firstelectrical connector 64 for allowing electricity to flow from theconductive device 34 to the first electrical connector 64. Theconductive device 34 extends from the cavity 22 of the device 10,through the hollow inner portion 36 of the collar 30, and extendsoutwardly from the exterior face of the collar 30, wherein the secondend of the conductive device 34 is spaced apart and clears the exteriorface of the collar 30.

The conductive device 34 is composed of brass or other conductivematerial and may be generally circular or have a circular cross-section.As shown in FIGS. 2, 7 , and 8, the back end 18 of the device 10 maycontain a receptacle 33, composed of brass or other conductive material,lined with brass or other conductive material, or containing aconductive element. The receptacle 33 is internally threaded andcorresponds to the external threads of the collar 30. The receptacle 33receives the conductive device 34 for selectively securing a firstgenerator device 10 with a second generator device 10′, as shown inFIGS. 16-19 . As illustrated, the conductive device 34 may be generallycircular and the receptacle 33 may be correspondingly generally circularor correspondingly shaped for receiving the conductive device 34. Thediameter of the receptacle 33 is slightly larger than the diameter ofthe conductive device 34 for inserting the conductive device 34 into thereceptacle 33.

As shown in FIGS. 14, 15, 16, and 17 , the conductive device 34 of thefirst generator device 10 is inserted into the receptacle 33 of thesecond generator device 10′. Either the first generator device 10 or thesecond generator device 10′ is rotated with respect to the oppositegenerator device, causing the external threads of the collar 30 of thefirst generator device 10 to mesh and engage the internal threads of thereceptacle 33 of the second generator device 10′ forming a selectivelysecured arrangement. In a similar process, the second generator device10′ may be selectively secured to a third generator device 10″, and thethird generator device 10″ may be selectively secured to a fourthgenerator device 10′″, as shown in FIG. 20 . A selectively securedarrangement means the first generator device 10 and the second generatordevice 10′ are not integral with each other but may be separated fromeach other without damaging the devices and reused. A cap may bedisposed within the receptacle 33 if no ionization device will beinserted into the receptacle 33.

As shown in FIG. 10 , each opening 40 of the top portion 20 contains anupwardly extending rim 46 and a lower extending shield 48. The rim 46 ispositioned around the external side of the opening 40 and on theexterior surface of the top portion 20. The rim 46 extends upwards fromthe exterior surface of the top portion 20 and contains an upper edge.The shield 48 extends downwardly from the interior surface of the topportion 22 and opening 40 and into the cavity 22. The rim 46 completelyencircles the exterior portion of the opening 40 and is disposed andvisible on the exterior surface of the top portion 22.

The shield 48 extends downwardly from the interior portion of theopening 40 and the internal surface of the top portion 22. The shield 48is angled outwards from the interior portion of the opening 40. In otherwords, as the shield 48 extends downwards from the interior portion ofthe opening 40, the shield 48 extends away from a central point of theopening 40. The diameter of the shield 48 is smaller closest theinterior portion of the opening 40 and interior surface of the topportion 22 and gradually increases as the shield 48 extends outward.

Each device 10 contains at least one electrode 26, two or moreelectrodes 26, or a plurality of electrodes 26, as shown in FIGS. 8 and9 . The electrodes 26 are engaged or connected to a printed circuitboard 42 housed within the cavity 22 of the device 10. The printedcircuit board 42 generally extends along the length of the device 10 andbetween the front end 16 and the back end 18 of the device 10. Theprinted circuit board 42 allows electricity to flow along the length ofthe device 10 and within the cavity 22 of the device 10. A trace extendsalong the length of the printed circuit board 42 and carries electricityalong the length of the printed circuit board 42. The trace is engagedto each electrode 26, allowing electricity to flow through the electrode26.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , the printed circuit board 42 has aplurality of spaced-apart bores 72 wherein a portion of the electrodes26 extend through the bore 72 of the printed circuit board 42. Theelectrodes 26 contain a main body portion 74 that is centrally locatedand an emitter 76 extends upward from the main body portion 74 andthrough the bore 72 in the top portion 20 of the device 10. The emitter76 emits the ions. A retention portion 82 extends downwardly from themain body portion 74 and through the bore 72 of the printed circuitboard 42. The retention portion 82 consists of an elongate portion 84having a first end and a second end. The first end of the elongateportion 84 extends downwardly from the main body portion 74 and has awidth or diameter smaller than the main body portion 76. The elongateportion 84 extends through the bore 72 of the printed circuit board 42.A knob 86 is disposed on the second end of the elongate portion 84 forsecuring the electrode 26 to the printed circuit board 42. The width ofthe main body portion 74 and the width of the knob 86 are greater thanthe width of the bore 72 of the printed circuit board 42, retaining theemitter 72 to the printed circuit board 42. Alternatively, a portion ofthe electrode 26 may be soldered to the printed circuit board 42. Forexample, the second end of the elongate portion 84 may be soldered tothe printed circuit board 42.

Alternatively, the electrodes 26 may extend upwardly from the printedcircuit board 42 or coupled to the printed circuit board 42 by a wire,connector, or other electrical conducting device that allows electricalcurrent to flow from the printed circuit board 42 to the electrodes 26.

The electrode 26 is positioned within each opening 40 so that ions canbe emitted from the emitter 76 of the electrode 26 and into thesurrounding air. For example, the electrode 26 may be positioned in thecavity 22 and below an upper edge of the rim 46. Alternatively, theelectrode 26 is positioned within the cavity 22 and the emitter 76extends above the height of the rim 46 for allowing ions to be emittedinto the surrounding air. In another embodiment, the electrode 26 may bepositioned entirely within the cavity 22, allowing electrodes 26 toproceed through the opening 40 and into the surrounding air. Theopenings 40 are preferably centrally positioned and spaced-apart alongthe length of the top portion 20, extending from the exterior surface ofthe top portion 20 the interior surface of the top portion 20. Theopenings 40 are preferably disposed in a straight line along the lengthof the top portion 20 and centrally disposed.

Alternatively, the device 10 contains a plurality of openings 40centrally positioned and spaced-apart along the length of the topportion 20. The openings 40 extend from the external surface of the topportion 20 to the internal surface of the top portion 20. The openings40 are disposed in a straight line along the length of the top portion20. The device 10 may contain one opening 40, two or more openings 40,or a plurality of openings 40. An electrode 26 may be positionedadjacent the opening 40 for allowing ions to be emitted through theopening 40. Alternatively, the electrode 26 may extend through theopening 40 for emitting ions.

Electrical current flows along the length of the printed circuit board42, through the trace, allowing a portion of the electrical current toflow from the circuit board 42 and through the electrodes 26, if theelectrodes 26 are engaged to the circuit board 42, allowing ions to flowfrom the end or ends of the electrodes 26. If the electrodes 26 areelectrically coupled to the circuit board 42 by a wire, connector, orother electrical conducting device, the electrical current flows throughthe wire, connector, or other electrical conducting device and throughthe electrodes 26. An epoxy may be deposited within the cavity 22 andover the printed circuit board 42. The epoxy may be inserted into thecavity 22 of the device 10 through an access opening 86 disposed withinthe device 10 that extends from the exterior surface to the interiorsurface of the device 10 and provides access to the cavity 22.

The housing of the device 10 may contain a plurality of ridges 50disposed on the device 10. The ridges 50 are preferably located adjacentthe electrodes 26, or at least a majority of the electrodes 26. As shownin FIGS. 1, 4, and 5 , a plurality of ridges 50 are disposed on thedevice 10 and spaced apart from each other. The ridges 50 are preferablylocated on the top portion 20 of the housing of the device 10, howeverthe ridges 50 may be located on the opposed side portions 14 or on theupper edge of the opposed side portions 14. By way of an example only,the ridges 50 may be integral with the side portions 14, engaged to theside portions 14, engaged to the upper edge of the side portions 14,integral with the upper edge of the side portions 14, integral with thetop portion 20, or engaged to the top portion 20. The ridges 50 aredisposed on either side of the electrodes 26, and preferably extend to aheight that is above the height of the electrodes 26. The ridges 50preferably have a width that is greater than the width of the electrodes26. A space 52 is positioned between each ridge 50 allowing air to flowbetween the ridges 50. The ridges 50 are spaced-apart in both thelateral and longitudinal directions. The ridges 50 are disposed oneither side of the device 10 and spaced apart from each other. Theridges 50 on opposed sides of the top portion 20 face each other and aresymmetrically aligned on either side of each electrode 26, or at leastmost electrodes 26.

The ridges 50 are preferably parabolic shaped. In other words, theridges 50 have an arcuate top portion 54 and a first side 56 and asecond side 58. The first side 56 and the second side 58 extenddownwardly and outwardly from the arcuate top portion 54 to the topportion 20, the side portion 14, or the upper ridge of the side portion14 of the housing of the device 10. The distance between the first side56 and the second side 58 of the portion of the ridge 50 adjacent thetop portion 20 is greater than the distance between the first side 56and the second side 58 of the ridge 50 adjacent the arcuate top portion54. In other words, the width of the ridge 50 increases as it extendsdownward from the arcuate top portion 54. The ridges 50 may also beanother shape sufficient for the purposes of the invention, such assquare, triangle, rectangular or other geometric shape.

At the front end 16 and back end 18 of the housing of the device 10, afirst extension 60 and a second extension 62 extend upwards from thedevice, and as illustrated extend upwards from the top portion 20 of thedevice 10. The first extension 60 is adjacent the front end 16 and thesecond extension 62 is adjacent the back end 18. The first extension 60and the second extension 62 are generally c-shaped, and as shown inFIGS. 2 and 5 , the first extension 60 and the second extension 62 donot have to be identical. The first extension 60 may partially surroundan electrode 26, while the second extension 62 may or may not partiallysurround an electrode 26. The first extension 60 may be positionedentirely on the top portion 20 of the housing or may be positioned onthe front end 16, positioned on the front end 16 and the top portion 20,positioned on the front end 16 and opposed side portions 14, orpositioned on the front end 16, opposed side portions 14, and the topportion 20. The second extension 62 may be positioned entirely on thetop portion 20 of the housing or may be positioned on the back end 18,positioned on the back end 18 and the top portion 20, positioned on theback end 18 and opposed side portions 14, or positioned on the back end18, opposed side portions 14, and the top portion 20.

The printed circuit board 42 may be engaged within the device 10 in twoalternative arrangements. As illustrated in FIG. 12 , a first electricalconnector 64 and a second electrical connector 66 are positioned oneither side of the cavity 22. The first electrical connector 64 may bepositioned adjacent the internal side of the front end 16 and the secondelectrical connector 66 may be positioned adjacent the internal side ofthe back end 18. The first electrical connector 64 positioned adjacentthe internal side of the front end 16 is engaged to or coupled to theconductive device 34 for allowing electricity to flow from theconductive device 34 directly to the first electrical connector 64 orfrom the conductive device 34, through a coupler, and from the couplerto the first electrical connector 64. The second electrical connector 66is coupled to a conductive element within the receptacle 33 for allowingelectricity to flow from the second electrical connector 66 to thereceptacle 33 and allowing electricity to progress from the conductiveelement within the receptacle 33 to a conductive device 34 that may beselectively secured to the receptacle 33.

The first electrical connector 64 and second electrical connector 66each contain an eye for receiving the first end of a wire 68. The secondend of the wire 68 is engaged to an end of the printed circuit board 42and allowing electricity to flow from the first electrical connector 64through the wire 68 to the first end of the printed circuit board 42.The electricity flow through the printed circuit board 42, allowing aportion of the electricity to flow through the electrodes 26 andproducing ions, wherein the remainder of the electricity progresses downthe printed circuit board 42 towards the second end. The remainder ofthe electricity flows to the second end of the printed circuit board 42and through the wire 68 to the second electrical connector 66. A screwor other fastener may be used to engage the first electrical connector64, a second electrical connector 66, and printed circuit board 42 tothe device 10.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 13 , the first end of the printedcircuit board 42 is engaged to the first electrical connector 64 and thesecond end of the printed circuit board 42 is engaged to the secondelectrical connector 66. The first electrical connector 64 and first endof the printed circuit board 42 each contain a hole, and the hole in theprinted circuit board 42 is placed overtop the hole in the firstelectrical connector 64. A fastener, such as a screw, is inserted in thehole, allowing electricity to flow from the first electrical connector64 through the screw and into the printed circuit board 42. The secondelectrical connector 66 and second end of the printed circuit board 42each contain a hole, and the hole in the printed circuit board 42 isplaced overtop the hole in the second electrical connector 66. Afastener, such as a screw, is inserted in the hole, allowing electricityto flow from the printed circuit board 42 and into the second electricalconnector 66.

The electrodes 26 may consist of a high voltage wire having a first endand a second end. The first end of the high voltage wire may contain aplurality of bristles or clusters that extend upwardly from the printedcircuit board 42. The bristles are composed of any material thatconducts electricity. The bristles or clusters may be composed of nylon,carbon fibers, or a thermoplastic polymer imbedded with conductivematerial that allows the polymer to conduct electricity. For example,the bristles may be composed of polypropylene or polyethylene andimpregnated with carbon. Generally, the bristles of the electrode 26 maycontain between about 20 to about 80 wt % polypropylene copolymer orpolyethylene copolymer, between about 5 to about 40 wt % talc, and fromabout 5 to 40 wt % carbon black. However, any other resistive,inductive, reactive or conductive plastic or non-metallic material maybe utilized for the bristles. As illustrated in FIG. 4 , the electrodeconsists of a plurality of carbon fibers having a first end and a secondend. The first end is engaged to the printed circuit board 42 forreceiving the flow of electricity flowing through the printed circuitboard 42 and the second end extends upwardly from the printed circuitboard 42 for emitting ions. Each fiber within the cluster can emit ionsfrom its second end.

Alternatively, the electrode 26 may be composed of stainless steel orother conducting type material, wherein the emitter 76 of the electrodehas a point, or a diameter that is less than the diameter of the mainbody body portion 74, allowing ions to be emitted from the emitter 76.Preferably, the reduction in diameter of the emitter 76 for a point orsharp tip, allowing the ions to be emitted from the point or sharp tipof the emitter 76.

The device 10 may produce approximately equal amounts of positive andnegative ions, regardless of airflow velocity or other conditions suchas humidity or temperature. In example forms, the device 10 producespositive ions and negative ions in a concentration of at least about 40million ions per cubic centimeter as measured 2 inches from the deviceelectrodes. In alternate embodiments, the device generates negative ionsonly, or positive ions only, or generate negative ions and positive ionsin unequal quantities.

In one embodiment, the top portion 20 of the device 10 may contain anLED bore that extends through the top portion 20 and into the cavity 22.An LED light may be positioned over the LED bore and engaged to an LEDwire that extends from a circuit board to the LED light. When current isflowing through the high voltage wires current also flows through theLED wire and illuminates the LED light, indicating the device 10 isoperating. The top portion 20 contains a first power supply bore and asecond power supply bore for receiving the positive and negative powersupply wires that serve as the power supply source.

The device 10 may be positioned and secured in place within the housingof the air handler unit such that the electrodes are aligned generallyperpendicularly to the direction of the airflow across the device 10, toprevent recombination of the positively charged ions with the negativelycharged ions.

The treatment of air by delivery of bipolar ionization to an airflowwithin a conduit according to the systems and methods of the presentinvention may be utilized for various purposes. For example, applicationof bipolar ionization to an airflow within an HVAC conduit such as anair handler housing or duct may be utilized to abate allergens,pathogens, odors, gases, volatile organic compounds, bacteria, virus,mold, dander, fungus, dust mites, animal and smoke odors, and/or staticelectricity in a treated air space to which the airflow is directed.Ionization of air in living and working spaces may reduce buildingrelated illness and improve indoor air quality; and additionally canreduce the quantity of outside air needed to be mixed with the treatedindoor air, reducing heating and cooling costs by enabling a greaterdegree of air recirculation.

As shown in FIG. 20 , a power head 70 provides, preferably AC current,to the device 10. Alternatively, the power head 70 could provide DCcurrent. The power head 70 contains a receptacle, similarly to thereceptacle 33 on the device 10, allowing the conductive device 34 of thedevice 10 to be inserted and selectively secured to the power head 70through this receptacle. The power head 70 is a power supply forproviding electricity to the device 10, and specifically the electricityflows from the power head 70 to the conductive device 34 of the device10. The electricity flows through the conductive device 34 to the firstelectrical connector 64 that is engaged or coupled to the conductivedevice 34. The electricity then flows through the first electricalconnector 64 and into the printed circuit board 42 and then to theelectrodes 26.

The receptacle of the power head 70 is internally threaded andcorresponds to the external threads of the collar 30 of a device 10. Thereceptacle of the power head 70 is generally circular or othercorresponding shape to the collar 30. As illustrated, the collar 30 iscircular and the receptacle of the power head 70 is also circular forallowing the collar 30 and the second end of the conductive device 34 tobe inserted into the receptacle. The diameter of the receptacle isslightly larger than the diameter of the collar 30, allowing the collar30 to fit within the receptacle the external threads of the collar 30 tomate or mesh with the internal threads of the receptacle, forming aselectively secured arrangement. The receptacle of the power head 70 maybe composed of brass or other conductive material, lined with brass orother conductive material, or contain a conductive element for allowingelectricity to flow from the power head to the conductive device 34.

The electrodes 26 within the ionizer may be removable or replaceable.The emitter 76 may be constructed of conductive resins, gold, titanium,stainless steel, or any other corrosion resistant conductive material.

As illustrated in FIGS. 14-20 , two or more devices 10, 10′, 10″, 10′″may be engaged or selectively secured together. As shown in FIG. 14 , afirst device 10 and a second device 10′ are being mated, engaged, orselectively secured together. The conductive device 34′ of a seconddevice 10′ is brought towards the receptable 33 of the first device 10.The conductive device 34′ of the second device 10′ is inserted into thereceptable 33 of the first device 10, as shown in FIG. 15 . One or bothof the devices 10, 10′ are rotated, causing the external threads of thecollar 30′ to be selectively secured, mated, or engaged to the internalthreads of the receptacle 33. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 , the firstdevice 10 is rotated causing the external threads of the collar 30′ ofthe second device 10′ to be selectively secured, mated, or engaged tothe internal threads of the receptacle 33 of the first device 10, untilthe first device 10 and second device 10″ are selectively secured,mated, or engaged together as shown in FIG. 18 . FIG. 19 illustratesthree devices 10, 10′, and 10′″ selectively secured, mated, or engagedtogether. FIG. 20 illustrates four devices 10, 10′, 10″, and 10′″selectively secured, mated, or engaged together, wherein the firstdevice 10 is engaged to the power head 70.

As mentioned above, the power head 70 is a power supply for providingelectricity to the device 10, and specifically, the electricity flowsfrom the power head 70 to the conductive device 34 of the device 10. Theelectricity flows through the conductive device 34 to the firstelectrical connector 64 that is engaged or coupled to the conductivedevice 34. The electricity then flows through the first electricalconnector 64 and into the printed circuit board 42 and then to theelectrodes 26. When two or more devices are selectively secured, mated,or engaged, the electricity flows through the printed circuit board 42of the first device 10, with a portion of the electricity flowing to theelectrodes 26 of the first device 10. The remaining electricity flows tothe second electrical connector 66, through the receptacle 33, and intothe conductive device 34′ of the second device 10′. This flow ofelectricity continues through each device 10, 10′, 10″, etc. that areselectively secured, mated, or engaged together.

Although the present invention has been illustrated and described hereinwith reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof,it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art thatother embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/orachieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples arewithin the spirit and scope of the present invention and are intended tobe covered by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An ion generator device, comprising: a housingcomprising a front end and a back end; a cavity formed within thehousing; a plurality of openings positioned along the housing; anexternally threaded collar extending outwardly from the front end; atleast one electrode extending from the housing; and a conductive devicedisposed within the collar and an internally threaded receptacle withinthe back end containing a conductive element for allowing one or moremodular ion generator devices to be selectively secured to each other.2. The ion generator device of claim 1, wherein one or more modular iongenerator devices are selectively engaged to one another.
 3. The iongenerator device of claim 1, further comprising a magnet positioned onthe device for selectively securing the device to a metal surface. 4.The ion generator device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality ofridges adjacent the electrodes.
 5. The ion generator device of claim 1,where the electrodes may be removable.
 6. The ion generator device ofclaim 1, where the electrodes may be constructed of carbon fiberbrushes, stainless steel or any other conducting type material.
 7. Anion generator device, comprising: a housing comprising a bottom portionthat extends to an outer edge, two opposed side portions that extendupward from the outer edge, a front end that extends upward from theouter edge, a back end that extends upward from the outer edge, and atop portion; a cavity formed within the two opposed side portions, frontend, and back end; a plurality of openings disposed on the top portion;a plurality of electrodes positioned within the cavity; an externallythreaded collar extending outwardly from the front end; and a conductivedevice disposed within the collar and an internally threaded receptaclewithin the back end containing a conductive element for allowing one ormore ion generator devices to be selectively secured to each other. 8.The ion generator device of claim 7, further comprising a power headengaged to the modular ion generator device.
 9. The ion generator deviceof claim 7, further comprising a magnet positioned on the device forselectively securing the device to a metal surface.
 10. The iongenerator device of claim 7, further comprising at least one flangeextending from the device for engaging a magnet thereto.
 11. The iongenerator device of claim 7, further comprising at least one nippleextending from the top portion.
 12. The ion generator device of claim 7,where the at least one electrode may be constructed of carbon fiberbrushes, stainless steel or any other conducting type material.
 13. Theion generator device of claim 7, further comprising a plurality ofridges adjacent the electrodes.
 14. The ion generator device of claim 7,wherein four fingers extend from the front end of the housing.